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Eighteen cancer survivors helped kick off the 10th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life at the Tomah High School track Friday.

Relay for Life, an all-night event to raise funds for cancer research, began with a fly-over by members of the Experimental Aircraft Association Tomah chapter. The planes made two passes over the track, with the final plane departing to the right to signal a missing man formation for those who have lost the battle with cancer.

The event’s honorary chair person, 11-year cancer survivor Betty Roscovius, helped with opening remarks and led a group of other survivors, including Relay for Life co-chair Heidi Ueeck, in a survivor lap during the event’s opening ceremonies.

The presentation of the colors by the American Legion, including a gun salute and taps for cancer survivors, also highlighted the event.

Mayor Ed Thompson and Eric Prise of Tomah Memorial Hospital also made remarks during the opening ceremonies. Thompson told the crowd of participants about the effect cancer has had on his family, including the deaths of his mother, brother and grandfather, and how important Relay for Life is to him.

The event concluded Saturday morning. The focus of this year’s event was survivors and their care givers, and the theme was “Celebrate, remember, fight back.” For some survivors, remembering the costs of the disease is hard, but participating with other survivors at Relay for Life makes it a little bit easier.

“It is rough, because I lost my dad (to cancer), and I struggle every day and try not to let it get me down,” eight-year cancer survivor Sandy Glumske said. “It is good to see others (survivors). Talking with them helps get you through.”